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Licenses to Collect, Possess or Sell

For Education, Exhibition, Scientific Research or Propagation of Non-Endangered and Non-Threatened Species

The licenses listed on this page allow for the collection, possession, or sale of the following species for education, exhibition, scientific research or propagation (breeding). The licenses on this page are for native species that are non-threatened and non-endangered only. To use endangered or threatened species for these purposes you must apply for anEndangered and Threatened Species License.

Fish

Wildlife

Shellfish

Crustaceans

Aquatic insects

Bird nests or eggs

Birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (includes non-native species). To view the list, visit the USFWS Migratory Bird List(External Link) website.

Captive bred or permanently disabled species

Definition(s)

Education: collection, possession and exhibition of a species to teach or instruct about its characteristics, ecological role or conservation needs.

Exhibition: regular public display or showing of the species where the display itself is the chief object.

Scientific: use of fish, wildlife or parts thereof by a scientific institution, clinic, laboratory or individual researcher to expand scientific knowledge or to gain knowledge of a fish or wildlife species, population or community. Captive-bred populations may be established and maintained as part of a scientific endeavor.

Propagation: production or breeding of animals by application of husbandry techniques in a controlled environment.

License Types

DEC issues four different types of licenses that authorize the possession, collection or sale of non-threatened and non-endangered wildlife. Details of each license are below.

Education/Exhibition License
to
Collect or Possess

Scientific License
to
Collect or Possess

Banding License
to
Collect or Possess

Propagation License
to
Posses and Sell

Allows For:

Possession of captive bred or permanently disabled native non-endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife or birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for education or exhibition purposes

Possession and collection of native wild non-endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife or birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for education or exhibition purposes

Allows For:

Possession of captive bred or permanently disabled native non-endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for scientific purposes

Possession and collection of native wild non-endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife or birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for or scientific purposes

Allows For:

Possession and collection of migratory birds for banding purposes

Possession of migratory birds for blood collection.

Possession of migratory birds for feather collection

Allows For:

Possession and sale of captive bred or permanently disabled native non-endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for propagation purposes

Possession of native wild non-endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for propagation purposes

Obtain any additional required permits, licenses or letters as noted in the "other possible requirements" in the table above.

Current License Holder Information

License Renewal

All licenses except for the banding license expire 1 year from the date of issuance. Banding licenses expire 5 years from date of issuance.

To renew your license you must complete the appropriate license application available in the table above.

Check the renewal box on the application to indicate you are renewing your license.

Annual Report of Activities

Scientific Collection and Propagation licensees are required to complete and submit an annual report of activities each year as specified by their license conditions. Report forms are available in the table above.

License Amendments (i.e Address Changes)

License amendments should be submitted using the appropriate application for the license type available in the table above.

Check the "License Amendment" box on the application and follow the instructions on the last page of the application.

Applicable Laws and Regulations

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)

6 NYCRR Part 175: Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures

Contact Information

Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for these licenses.
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4752Phone: 518-402-8985E-mail:speciallicenses@dec.ny.gov

For other permit or license requirements as noted in the table above, please contact the appropriate organization listed below.